A Tauranga teacher is one of four early childhood, primary and secondary school educators from across the country who have been honoured with National Excellence in Teaching Awards.

Donna Williams, from Elm Tree Learning Centre, has won the Seed Award - a $5000 professional grant development - for her empowering and empathetic approaches to tamariki that promote a lifelong enjoyment of learning.

Donna’s parent nominator Lisa Taylor says Donna extended their son’s knowledge and pounced on his motivation to learn at every level.

“We will be forever grateful to her for putting in the hard yards to make him the young man he is today,” says Lisa.

Donna says it’s a privilege to teach and inspire someone else's child, so while tamariki are in her care she makes them feel loved, respected and valued.

“I was shy and anxious in my early years and didn't do well at school.

“I felt I wasn't smart enough to study until aged 45 when I set aside those fears so I could help our young people to believe in themselves and know they have a voice and are valued.

“I see each tamaiti for the uniqueness they offer, and nurture their emotional wellbeing with gentle guidance and plenty of reassurance.”

The winners travelled to Melbourne, Australia to receive their honours at a luncheon ceremony on hosted by Futurity Investment Group which has supported the awards since inception 29 years ago.

The 2023 awards received a record number of 2525 nominations across Australia and New Zealand.